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Matilda C. (Bleskan) Slovick

Matilda C. (Bleskan) Slovick, 92, Superior, formerly of Bennett, Wis., died Monday, March 31, 2014, at St. Luke's Hospital in Duluth. She was born in Bennett, Wis. on March 14, 1922, the daughter of Andrew and Johanna (Hudec) Bleskan.

Matilda attended her early grades in Bennett. She continued her high school class work in Superior, Wis. and the George Rogers Clark High School in Hammond, Ind. She attended the former State Teachers College and the Duluth University continuing her education and Teaching degrees throughout her entire 52 years of Teaching.

She was honored as teacher of the year several times during her career. She was also issued a State of Wisconsin certificate of commendation on behalf of the people of Wisconsin for her lifelong dedication to the education of our State's young, for inspiring children for half a century, and to enhance the lives of our most precious resources, our children. The award was presented by our former State Governor Tommy Thompson on the 20th day of November in the year of 1991.

She also received another certificate from the Wisconsin State Superintendent of schools at the beginning of her career in 1942, and also before she retired in 1994. During these years, she was instrumental in starting the first Kindergarten, Pre-school and Art programs in the Bennett and Solon Springs School Districts. Matilda served in several of the Bennett P.T.A. Offices, and was the 4-H leader for six years.

She was a member of the St. Benedicts church. Matilda restarted the catechism classes in 1966, and continued instruction for many years. She also served as Altar Society President and worked with the building committee during the planning and construction of the former St. Benedict's church, now the present Bennett town hall.

Matilda resided in Bennett, Wis. for much of her life. She enriched many lives through her skills as a teacher and by combining her talents in photography, art, music and desire to help others. She also had a great love of travel, visiting many international locations such as England, Germany, Belgium, France, Austria, Czechoslovakia, Hungary, French Riviera, Monaco, Italy and Acapulco, Mexico. In addition, she travelled to Utah, Wyoming, Texas, Nevada and Georgia to visit family and friends. Matilda was a tireless worker, known by many for her bountiful vegetable garden, flower gardens and apple trees. She also enjoyed polka dancing and had many friends associated with clubs and dances in the Twin Ports area.

In 1949, she married George Slovick at the former St. Adalberts Church in East End, Superior. She was preceded in death by her husband George March 12, 2000, and also her parents, Andrew and Johanna Bleskan, sisters Helen Schmidt and Ann Whelan, and a brother Steven Bleskan. She is survived by two daughters, Sue Slovick and Jean Semborski (Chuck), two granddaughters Alesia Devaney (Chris) and Stacy Semborski, and also a great-granddaughter Remany. She will be missed by her many friends and family.

Visitation will be from 5-7 p.m. on Friday, April 11, in the Lenroot-Maetzold Funeral Home with a Scripture Service scheduled for 6:30 p.m. that evening.

Visitation will continue at 10 a.m. Saturday, April 12 until the 11 a.m. Mass of Christian Burial at St. Anthony Catholic Church in Superior with Rev. Don Kania and Rev. Dean Buttrick, concelebrating.